THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANISATION AND NATIONAL ADMINISTRATIONS

This paper examines the relationship between the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and its 132 member states, with particular reference to the making of regulations relating to marine safety. It shows that legislation emanating from is solely the result of proposals submitted by one or more it its member states. It describes how these submissions are considered in detail and moderated by the specialist subcommittees of experts from the member states. The relatively small permanent staff of IMO provide the machinery that permits the organization to operate as speedily as the procedure laid down by the member states permits. The advantages and disadvantages for individual national administrations of the international approach to maritime safety and pollution prevention made possible through IMO are examined, as are the pressures imposed on the organization following serious casualties.